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If you have a burning or sore throat, you want relief quickly. A burning throat makes it difficult to swallow, talk, and eat. Over the counter pain medications, lozenges, and throat sprays are the best way to deal with throat pain before you see a doctor. After you get some immediate relief, take some time to figure out the cause with your doctor.
Steps
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Try an over-the-counter pain medication. One simple solution is to take an oral pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Follow the directions on the box for how often you can take it. [1] X Research source
- Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen may be more effective than acetaminophen because they can decrease irritation and swelling. [2] X Research source However, acetaminophen can still be effective for eliminating pain.
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Eat a popsicle. Ice-cold popsicles provide relief to burning throats, essentially numbing the pain with cold.
- You can also try other cold treats, such as ice cream or frozen fruit. Even iced tea or cold water can help your throat.
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Try throat lozenges. Throat lozenges are available over-the-counter and are intended to soothe sore throats. Just be sure to get sugar-free if you need to watch your sugar intake. [3] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
- You can use lozenges as often as you need them. Also, try picking ones that have eucalyptus or menthol, as they offer cooling relief. [4] X Research source
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Use a throat spray. If you don't like sucking on lozenges, you can use a throat spray instead. Throat sprays such as Chloroplasts have both numbing and antibiotic properties, so they can help you deal with a sore throat. [5] X Research source
- To use them, open your mouth wide. Stick your tongue out. Aim the spray at the back of your mouth, and spray your throat.
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Cool down your food. If your food is extra hot, it can increase the irritation of your throat. Make sure you don't eat or drink scalding food while your throat is sore. Blow on it to cool it. Add an ice cube, or stir it around before eating. [6] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
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Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of liquids throughout the day while you have a sore throat. If you become dehydrated, your throat can become dry, increasing irritation. You don't have to drink just water. Tea and coffee are fine options, too, especially since warm--not hot--liquids can soothe your throat.
- Men should drink about 13 cups of water a day, while women should drink about 9 cups. You may need even more when you have a sore throat. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- To soothe your throat even more, add a tablespoon of honey to your tea or coffee. [8] X Research source
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Humidify the air. Having a dry throat can cause extra irritation, making your dry throat worse. Try a humidifier if your home is too dry. If the air in your home is too dry, it can hurt your throat more.
- However, you can get the same effect from taking a very warm shower, and taking some time to breathe in the steam. Close off the bathroom before starting the shower. When you first turn the shower on before you get in, turn it on extra hot so steam can fill up the bathroom. Turn it down to a manageable temperature before you get in. As you shower, breathe in deeply, letting the steam into your throat.
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Skip the smoking lounge. Cigarette smoke, even second-hand smoke, can irritate the throat. Avoid being around cigarette smoke until your throat heals. [9] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
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Get a new toothbrush. Bacteria builds up on your toothbrush over time. You could be reinfecting your throat with bacteria if you use the same old toothbrush for too long.
- The bacteria enter your body through your gums, especially if they bleed while you brush.
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Take your doctor about a prescription. Your doctor is the best source to determine the first line of defense. In many cases, you may need a round of antibiotics to help treat your sore throat, depending on the cause. [10] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Gargle with saltwater. Warm up a cup of water slightly. Add a half of a teaspoon of salt to it, and stir it in. Use the saltwater as a gargle, as it can help with pain and inflammation. [11] X Research source
- Saltwater can act as an antiseptic, keeping germs from growing in your throat. It can also help remove phlegm.
- You can also mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda into a cup of warm water and gargle it the same way. [12] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Make a tea of marshmallow root. You can likely find the root online or at natural drug stores. Put a tablespoon of the root in a mug, and pour boiling water over it. Leave it to steep for a half hour to an hour. [13] X Research source
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Drink licorice root tea. Some people have luck soothing their throat with licorice root tea. You can find the tea already mixed at the store, or you can mix your own. [16] X Research source
- To make your own, you'll need 1 cup of licorice root (chopped), 1/2 cup of cinnamon (in small chips), 2 tablespoons cloves (whole), and 1/2 cup chamomile flowers. You can find these at natural food stores. Keep it an airtight jar. [17] X Research source
- Pour 2.5 cups of water into a saucepan. Add 3 heaping tablespoons of the tea to the water. Heat up the tea until it's boiling, and then let it cook over low heat for about 10 minutes. Strain off the pulp, and drink. [18] X Research source
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Check for heartburn. Heartburn can lead to a burning sensation in the throat as acid regurgitates in the back of your throat. [19] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
- Another symptom of heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that gets worse if you recline. Usually, these problems occur after you eat. [20] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source You may be hoarse the next day or have trouble with swallowing. [21] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Your mouth might also taste sour or metallic if you have heartburn. [22] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Sit up. If you're asleep in bed and get acid from heartburn in the back of your throat, the first step you should take is to sit up. Take a drink of water to help relieve your throat. [23] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source You can also raise the incline of your bed.
- Over-the-counter antacids are the first line of treatment for heartburn. They help neutralize the acid in your esophagus and stomach. They work almost immediately. They won't improve your throat if it's already been burned, but they will stop new acid from entering your throat. [24] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Patients with persistent pain and discomfort should see a doctor.
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Consider burning mouth syndrome. If other parts of your mouth are burning in addition to your throat, you may have burning mouth syndrome. Secondary burning mouth syndrome can be caused by other problems such as hormones, allergies, infections, and not getting the right vitamins. However, with primary burning mouth syndrome, doctors are still unsure what causes the problem. [25] X Research source
- You may also have dry mouth, or your mouth may taste funny. Talk to your doctor and/or dentist if you have these symptoms. [26] X Research source This may be the result of facial neuropathy.
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Take your temperature. If you have a fever, it may mean you have strep throat. Other symptoms of strep throat include white spots in the back of your mouth on the roof, fever, headaches, and rashes. No cough is seen with strep throat.
- If you suspect you have strep throat, see your doctor. Strep throat can sometimes develop into tonsillitis, which is an infection of the tonsils. [27] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Treatment includes antibiotics.
- A fever along with swollen lymph nodes and a sore throat can be symptoms of infectious mononucleosis, so see your doctor if you have these symptoms, as well. [28] X Research source You will be tested with a monospot test and your doctor may see atypical lymphocytes on a blood test. Avoid sports due to possible splenic rupture with impact activities.
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Note how long your sore throat lasts. If your sore throat lingers even after treatment, it could be a sign of something more serious, such as a throat cancer. Talk to your doctor if your throat is sore for more than two weeks, especially if you've had a round of antibiotics. [29] X Research source
- Look for unexpected weight loss associated with cancer.
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Consider other causes. Sore and burning throats can also be caused by allergies and smoking. The best way to help a sore throat with these causes is to quit smoking or control your allergies by taking an antihistamine. [30] X Research source
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How Do You Treat a Sore Throat?
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Heal a sore throat fast with these expert articles. Learn how to soothe it, sleep with it, and even cure it naturally.
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QuestionHow do I stop my burning throat immediately?Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.To stop a burning throat, lozenges and throat-numbing sprays work instantaneously. You can buy these at any general store or pharmacist.
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QuestionWhat do I do if I burn my throat and it's swelling?Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.If you throat is swelling then you need to go the Emergency Department immediately.
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References
- ↑ http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/issue/mar2013/feature2
- ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/sore-throat
- ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sore-throat/Pages/Treatment.aspx
- ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/sore-throat
- ↑ https://www.parkview.com/community/dashboard/throat-sprays-and-cough-drops-and-nasal-sprays-oh-my
- ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sore-throat/Pages/Treatment.aspx
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
- ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2018/february/sore-throat
- ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sore-throat/Pages/Treatment.aspx
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sore-throat/basics/treatment/con-20027360
- ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2018/february/sore-throat
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sore-throat-remedies-that-actually-work/
- ↑ https://www.clinicaladvisor.com/home/features/alternative-meds-update/soothing-coughs-and-sore-throats-with-marshmallow/
- ↑ https://www.clinicaladvisor.com/home/features/alternative-meds-update/soothing-coughs-and-sore-throats-with-marshmallow/
- ↑ http://everydayroots.com/sore-throat-remedies
- ↑ http://everydayroots.com/sore-throat-remedies
- ↑ http://everydayroots.com/sore-throat-remedies
- ↑ http://everydayroots.com/sore-throat-remedies
- ↑ https://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0901/p885.html
- ↑ https://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0901/p885.html
- ↑ http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic_gastroesophogeal_reflux_disease_GERD/dd_overview
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn-gerd/in-depth/heartburn-gerd/ART-20046483?p=1
- ↑ http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic_gastroesophogeal_reflux_disease_GERD/dd_overview
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/basics/treatment/con-20019545
- ↑ http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/oralhealth/Topics/Burning/BurningMouthSyndrome.htm
- ↑ http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/oralhealth/Topics/Burning/BurningMouthSyndrome.htm
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tonsillitis/basics/definition/CON-20023538?p=1
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/infectiousmononucleosis.html
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001042.htm
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sorethroat.html
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To stop your throat from burning, try eating a popsicle or some ice cream to numb the pain with cold. Alternatively, add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a cup of warm water and drink it to soothe your throat. You can also add ½ teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water, then gargle with the salt water to help with the pain and inflammation. If your throat continues to burn, you may want to consider sucking on a throat lozenge or taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. For more from advice our Medical reviewer, like how to figure out why your throat is burning and when to see your doctor, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I had suddenly gotten a sore throat one morning, and a mild fever grew within a few hours of waking up. By evening, my fever shot up. I tried controlling it with a paracetamol tablet. The fever felt like it subsided, but the throat pain still existed. I had made a mistake of smoking a cigarette in between, and later that day the fever shot up really bad. Tried a bunch of home remedies. Had read this article and told my roommates to read it as well. They helped me out. Fever and sore throat are gone." ..." more
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"I had suddenly gotten a sore throat one morning, and a mild fever grew within a few hours of waking up. By evening, my fever shot up. I tried controlling it with a paracetamol tablet. The fever felt like it subsided, but the throat pain still existed. I had made a mistake of smoking a cigarette in between, and later that day the fever shot up really bad. Tried a bunch of home remedies. Had read this article and told my roommates to read it as well. They helped me out. Fever and sore throat are gone."
..."
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"Very helpful and insightful. Especially because I have no tonsils, and this is my first burn in the back of my throat. It started with heartburn, then up it came. I am going to do lozenges and lots of water."
..."
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"This helped me a lot because I couldn't sleep and I have a busy day tomorrow. I finally have some relief with my throat. "
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"I love your website, and all the tricks and treatments are very cool! Thank you guys for all the help and ideas."
"I tried the remedy with honey and it worked great! No more soar throat!"
